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A soldier’s story
The journal of an active duty U.S. Soldier currently serving in Iraq.
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January 03, 2008
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Im totally stoked to be alive!
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mccool - > A soldier’s story -> Im totally stoked to be alive!
Im totally stoked to be alive!

So last night after a long day at the motor pool, I began my journey to the rustamiyah dining facility... On the way I heard possibly the most heart breaking sound of my life... BOOOOOOOOOOOM! Oh are you serious... I muttered to myself as I ducked into a bunker... After subsequent explosions I decided that I was going to be there for awhile, so I did the only logical thing, and smoked a cigarette... Upon completion of lung toxification, I noticed that Alpha Company's 1st Sergeant was in the same bunker as I... "Hey 1st Sergeant," I said with a grin. "Are you tryin to get back to our AO?" He replied that he was, and after a short bunker to bunker run I had made it back to my building... I asked the 1st Sergeant to please radio up to the TOC that I was safe and sound. He replied that he would, and promptly took off to perform his 1st Sergeantly duties... After several hours and a few more cigarettes, I was back with my buddies, safe and sound in our hardened home... It was not until this morning that I found that my continued existence was never reported last night, and that most everyone was wondering, "What in the world happened to McCool?" Well all I am fine, thanks for your concern... I will try to keep you updated as often as I can... and now for your reading pleasure, here are "Murphy's Laws of Combat"...

1. You are not Superman.
2.If its stupid but works, it isnt stupid.
3.Dont look conspicuous, it draws fire.
4.When in doubt empty your magazine.
5.Never share a foxhole with anyone braver than you are.
6.Never forget that your weapon was made by the lowest bidder.
7.If your attack is going really well, its an ambush.
8.No plan survives first contact intact.
9.All five second grenade fuses will burn down in three seconds.
10.Try to look unimportant, cause the enemy may be low on ammo.
11.If you are forward of your position the artillery will fall short.
12.The enemy diversion you are ignoring is the main attack.
13.The important things are always simple.
14. The sinple things are always hard.
15.The easy way is always mined.
16.If you are short of everything except the enemy, you are in combat.
17.When you have secured an area, dont forget to tell the enemy.
18.Friendly fire---- isnt.
19.Incoming fire has the right of way.
20.If the enemy is in range, so are you.
21.No combat ready unit has ever passed inspection.
22.Beer math is: Two beers times 37 men = 49 cases...
23.Body count math is: Two insurgents, plus one portable, plus two pigs = 37 enemy KIA
24.Two things that must be together to work usually cant be shipped together.
25.Radios will fail as soon as you need fire support desperately.
26.Anything you do can get you shot, including doing nothing.
27.Tracers work both ways.
28.The only thing more accurate than incoming enemy fire, is incoming friendly fire.
29.If its tough for the enemy to get in, it'll be tough for you to get out.
30.If you take more than your fair share of objectives, you will have more than your fair share of objectives for the enemy to take.
31.When both sides are convinced they are about to lose, they are both right.
32.Professional soldiers are predictable, but the world is full of amateurs.
33. Murphy was infantry...

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posted by mccool on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 09:38 AM
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21 comments from 20 users

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posted by gillfish on Feb 20, 2008 at 10:34 AM

Glad to see you are ok and also that you still have a sense of humor.

posted by countygirl on Feb 20, 2008 at 12:22 PM

Glad to hear you're still with us. I enjoyed your post. :) Keep up the good work!!

posted by luvmy2girls on Feb 20, 2008 at 03:18 PM

I'm so glad that you are safe. Thanks so much for posting. I enjoyed reading:) Continue to be safe and know that my family appreciates your service.

posted by madkow2747 on Feb 20, 2008 at 06:38 PM

Amazing how many of those laws can be said for civilian life as well!  Keep the posts coming :)

posted by Smokey on Feb 20, 2008 at 07:22 PM

 

"so I did the only logical thing, and smoked a cigarette... " LOL

Sounds like you are doing well and your spirits are high. That is great! Hope you and the other fellows are keeping each other safe and in good company.

You are in our thoughts and prayers daily.

God Bless You Matt

posted by campgrandma on Feb 21, 2008 at 08:52 AM

Hi Matt, I am so thankful you are ok.  Keep the good spirits ok?  Know there are a whole lot of people at home praying for you and keeping you in their thoughts.  I enjoyed reading about the Murphy's Law of Combat.  My husband is Army brat and ROTC so he can appreciate this too.

We here at home are anticipating the arrival of one of our own, Wesley Barrientos, who is in Walter Reed right now.  You can read his story on KGET 17 website.  He is an inspiration.  The Bakersfield High School band is leaving the end of the month to go there and play for him and others in the hospital.  I hope to meet him when he gets home.  And I hope to meet you too when you get home.

Thinking of you.

Carla

posted by bigdog on Feb 21, 2008 at 09:24 AM

Matt thanks for the update. Better you then me. Be safe.

My favorite is 10.Try to look unimportant, cause the enemy may be low on ammo

That my friend is a good rule to live by.

posted by Joty on Feb 21, 2008 at 04:54 PM

lol...number three was hard for our foster son. He stands 6'8" and is about 300#'s. But he did 3 tours and came home each time, I guess he learned the art of "hunkerin' down". Keep on hunkerin' Matt!

Not a day goes by that we don't think of you and appreciate what you are doing for us.

Hope your time there flies by.

posted by awsmom8 on Feb 21, 2008 at 11:21 PM

Glad you have still have kept your sense of humor.  It helps when all h@ll breaks lose.

posted by DeVerie on Feb 22, 2008 at 08:58 PM

Thank you for your great post... my favorite is Beer Math my husband is a home brewer and he would appreciate that one. Thank you for everything you are doing and I wish you a very safe return soon!!

posted by MLArnold on Mar 27, 2008 at 11:00 AM

 Tehachapi Soldier Injured By IED.

http://www.turnto23.com/new...

My prayers are with you.  Thank you for your service to our country.

 

 

 

posted by oohchild on Mar 27, 2008 at 11:41 AM

 Here's hoping for a quick recovery, mccool.

Come home soon.

posted by gube on Mar 27, 2008 at 11:46 AM

 Wow hang in there mccool.........your in my prayers...............

posted by jer72 on Mar 27, 2008 at 06:15 PM

Get well soon and come home for a much needed break. You are in our prayers.

posted by leogarcia on Mar 27, 2008 at 06:34 PM

just heard you got hurt hope you get well soon,thank you for your service and blog,hope to see you on it soon.much love to you and your family.

 

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